May 20 is World Metrology Day. This date was chosen in recognition of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875, the beginning of formal international collaboration in metrology. Each year World Metrology Day is organized and celebrated jointly by the Treaty’s scientific arm, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), an Intergovernmental Treaty Organization which promotes the global harmonization of legal measurements, with the participation of the national organizations responsible for metrology worldwide. Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce-the Trade Measures Section, is a Corresponding Member of the OIML since 2011 and an Associate Member of the Metre Convention through the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of the Scientific & Industrial Research & Development Centre since 2010.
The Metre Convention provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide that underpins scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment. The theme for World Metrology Day 2019 is The International System of Units – Fundamentally better. This theme was chosen because on 16 November 2018, the General Conference on Weights and Measures agreed perhaps one of the most significant revisions to the International System of Units (the SI) since its inception. Research into new measurement methods, including those using quantum phenomena, underpin the change.
The SI is now based on a set of definitions each linked to the laws of physics and have the advantage of being able to embrace further improvements in measurement science and technology to meet the needs of future users for many years to come. Across the world, NMIs, who are the custodians of National Measurements Standards, continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at whatever level of sophistication is needed. The NMIs participate in comparisons coordinated by the BIPM to ensure the reliability of measurement results worldwide. The BIPM also provides a forum for its Member States to address new measurement challenges. The OIML develops International Recommendations, the aim of which is to align and provide for the protection of the consumers in the area trade, health, safety and environment through internationally harmonized measurement requirements.
The international metrology community which works to ensure that accurate measurements can be made across the world endeavours to raise awareness each World Metrology Day through various activities. Previous themes have included topics such as measurements for the global energy challenge, for safety, for innovation, and measurements in sport, the environment, medicine and trade. World Metrology Day recognizes and celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in intergovernmental and national organizations throughout the year on behalf of all.
Further information; you may contact the following :
The Secretary –Ministry of Industry and Commerce
13th Floor, Mukwati Building,
Bag CY 7708
Causeway
Harare
The Director –National Metrology Institute
1574 Alpes Road, Hatcliffe,
Harare
Tel: 263242 860346
Mobile: 263772238282
Email: mranganai@sirdc.ac.zw
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